Image processing method and apparatus, and printing apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image processing apparatus controls to print a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of moving image data. The image processing apparatus provides a window which has a start point button, end point button, seek bar, and the like. The user designates a desired still image extraction range from the moving image data by operating the start and end point buttons. This window also provides a preview button. When the user clicks the preview button, a predetermined number of sequential still images are generated from the designated still image extraction range in the moving image. These sequential still images are displayed while being sequentially switched in the order they appear in the moving image data.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing method andapparatus, and a printing apparatus for printing out a plurality ofimages obtained from moving image data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An apparatus that prints a sequential motion of an object as aplurality of images has been proposed. As an example of an apparatus ofthis type, an apparatus described in, e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-OpenNo. 10-327376 is known.

[0003] According to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376, apredetermined number of captured images are obtained and stored from avideo camera output from an image capture start instruction until anelapse of a pre-set image capture time, and are printed out, as shown inFIG. 25. On this printout, blank spaces are formed aside respectivecaptured images, and can be used as binding margins, as shown in FIG.26A. The user can observe the captured images like a moving image bysuccessively flipping a bundle of printouts, as shown in FIG. 26B. Suchmoving image will be referred to as a “flip moving image” hereinafter.Successive still images that can provide a flip moving image will bereferred to as sequential still images hereinafter.

[0004] On the other hand, the position of the blank space portion oneach printout in FIG. 25 can be selected from the left or right side ofa captured image to cope with right- and left-handed users. Morespecifically, when the user designates to form a blank space portion onthe left side of a captured image, a printout for a right-handed user(left binding) can be obtained; when the user designates to form a blankspace portion on the right side of a captured image, a printout for aleft-handed user (right binding) can be obtained.

[0005] In general, in an apparatus of this type, captured images areextracted from the whole range from the beginning to the end of imagecapture, and are stored to output sequential still images. According tothe Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 above, when the userdesignates a desired one of image capture times of 8 sec, 10 sec, and 12sec, an image is captured during the designated image capture time, andcaptured images are stored at given intervals during that image captureprocess. For example, if the user designates 8 sec, captured images arestored at every ⅙ sec to store 48 captured images; if the userdesignates 10 sec, captured images are stored at every ⅕ sec to store 48captured images.

[0006] However, although the user designates, e.g., the image capturetime of 10 sec, if a portion of his or her interest corresponds to aportion from 2 sec to 9 sec, captured images contained in the first andlast 1-sec intervals become useless printouts. Also, Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2001-223876 contains only a description “an object imagemay be captured as a moving image, and frames may be extracted from themoving image at given time intervals”.

[0007] As described above, in the prior art, since images are merelyextracted from the whole captured moving image sequence, printouts thatcan flexibly cope with user's interest cannot be obtained.

[0008] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-327376 describes sequentialdisplay of captured images which are extracted and stored from the wholerange from the beginning to the end of image capture for the purpose ofconfirmation by the user, i.e., a preview function. However, sincesequential still images are extracted from the whole captured movingimage sequence, if the user is dissatisfied with the extracted contentsas a result of preview, he or she must redo the image capture processfrom the beginning.

[0009] Since Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-327376 and 2001-223876 dono consider a case wherein a desired designated range is too short togenerate a predetermined number of sequential still images, sincesetting of a desired designated range of a moving image set as anextraction range is not assumed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the abovesituation, and has as its object to obtain sequential still images byextracting a predetermined number of images from a desired range in amoving image at given intervals, and to allow the user to preview a flipmoving image by sequentially displaying the obtained sequential stillimages prior to printout, thus flexibly meeting user's requirements.

[0011] It is another object of the present invention to allow the userto immediately re-set a desired range in a moving image after the obtainsequential still images are sequentially displayed, so as to improve theoperability.

[0012] It is still another object of the present invention to allow toacquire a predetermined number of sequential still images irrespectiveof the length of a desired designated range upon obtaining thepredetermined number of sequential still images from a desired range ina moving image.

[0013] According to the present invention, the foregoing object isattained by providing an image processing apparatus for controlling toprint a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as aflip moving image, on the basis of moving image data, comprising:

[0014] designation means for designating a desired range of the movingimage data;

[0015] generation means for generating a predetermined number ofsequential still images using frames within the desired range of themoving image data; and

[0016] display control means for controlling to display thepredetermined number of sequential still images generated by thegeneration means while sequentially switching the sequential stillimages in an order they appear in the moving image data.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, an image processingmethod for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images,which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of movingimage data is provided, wherein the image processing method comprises:

[0018] the designation step of designating a desired range of the movingimage data;

[0019] the generation step of generating a predetermined number ofsequential still images using frames within the desired range of themoving image data; and

[0020] the display control step of controlling to display thepredetermined number of sequential still images generated in thegeneration step while sequentially switching the sequential still imagesin an order they appear in the moving image data.

[0021] In still another aspect of the present invention, an imageprocessing apparatus for controlling to print a plurality of sequentialstill images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basisof moving image data is provided, wherein the image processing apparatuscomprises:

[0022] designation means for designating a desired range of the movingimage data;

[0023] checking means for checking if a predetermined number of framescan be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data;

[0024] first generation means for, when the checking means determinesthat the predetermined number of frames can be extracted, generating apredetermined number of sequential still images by extracting thepredetermined number of frames from the desired range; and

[0025] second generation means for, when the checking means determinesthat the predetermined number of frames cannot be extracted, generatingsequential still images by extracting a largest possible number offrames from the desired range, and generating the predetermined numberof sequential still images by complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames.

[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, an image processingmethod for controlling to print a plurality of sequential still images,which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basis of movingimage data is provided, wherein the image processing method comprises:

[0027] the designation step of designating a desired range of the movingimage data;

[0028] the checking step of checking if a predetermined number of framescan be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data;

[0029] the first generation step of generating, when it is determined inthe checking step that the predetermined number of frames can beextracted, a predetermined number of sequential still images byextracting the predetermined number of frames from the desired range;and

[0030] the second generation step of generating, when it is determinedin the checking step that the predetermined number of frames cannot beextracted, sequential still images by extracting a largest possiblenumber of frames from the desired range, and generating thepredetermined number of sequential still images by complementingdeficient frames by repetitively using identical frames.

[0031] In still another aspect of the present invention, a printingapparatus including the above image processing apparatus is provided.

[0032] In still another aspect of the present invention, a computerreadable memory which stores computer program for performing the aboveimage processing methods, is provided.

[0033] In still another aspect of the present invention, a computerexecutable program for performing the above image processing methods, isprovided.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate thesame or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

[0036]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an imageforming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an information processingapparatus 100 of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 from theviewpoint of the software configuration;

[0038]FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when apaper select window is selected;

[0039]FIG. 4 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when amoving image select window is selected;

[0040]FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when arange setup window is selected;

[0041]FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when aprint/save window is selected;

[0042]FIG. 7 shows a display example of the paper select window;

[0043]FIG. 8 shows a display example of the moving image select window;

[0044]FIG. 9A shows a display example of the range setup window;

[0045]FIG. 9B shows a preview operation interface in the range setupwindow;

[0046]FIG. 10A shows a display example of the print/save window;

[0047]FIG. 10B shows an example of a printout;

[0048]FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the still image conversionprocess in step S149 or S162 in more detail;

[0049]FIG. 12 is a view for explaining the influence of a paper conveyerror on printed sequential still images;

[0050]FIG. 13 is a view for explaining the influence of a paper conveyerror on printed sequential still images;

[0051]FIG. 14 is a view for explaining a right-binding print layoutaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0052]FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a problem posed upon adopting aleft-binding print layout;

[0053]FIG. 16 is a view for explaining a left-binding print layoutaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0054]FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining the process of a printlayout according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0055]FIG. 18 shows a state wherein strip sheets on which sequentialstill images are printed are housed in a case according to theembodiment of the present invention;

[0056]FIG. 19 shows a state wherein the user observes a flip movingimage using the strip sheets housed in the case according to theembodiment of the present invention;

[0057]FIGS. 20A to 20D are views for explaining the build sequence ofthe case according to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0058]FIG. 21 shows members which form the case according to theembodiment of the present invention;

[0059]FIGS. 22A to 22C show the structure of notches in the caseaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

[0060]FIG. 23 shows a paper sheet used to print sequential still imagesin the embodiment of the present invention;

[0061]FIG. 24 shows another paper sheet used to print sequential stillimages in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0062]FIG. 25 shows a printout of sequential still images in the priorart; and

[0063]FIGS. 26A and 26B show a state wherein the user observes a flipmoving image using the strip sheets obtained from the printout shown inFIG. 25.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed in detail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

System Arrangement

[0065]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of an imageforming system according to this embodiment. The image forming system ofthis embodiment comprises an information processing apparatus 100 forgenerating print data (containing control commands), and a printer 170for forming an image on the basis of the print data.

[0066] The information processing apparatus 100 comprises a memory 110,a CPU 130, a hard disk controller (HDC) 120 and hard disk (HD) 121connected to it, a floppy disk controller (FDC) 125 and floppy diskdrive (FD) 126 connected to it, a printer controller (PRTC) 140, akeyboard/pointing device controller (KB/PDC) 150 and keyboard(KB)/pointing device (PD) 151 connected to it, and a CRT controller(CRTC) 160 and CRT 161 connected to it.

[0067] Note that a mouse is used as the pointing device (PD) in thisembodiment, but various other devices such as a track ball, touch panel,and the like may be used. In the above arrangement, the CRT 161 is usedas a display, but other types of displays such as a liquid crystaldisplay, plasma display, and the like may be used.

[0068] The memory 110 has an application 111 that controls an image editprocess in the present invention, a printer driver 112 as software forgenerating print data compatible to the printer 170, a spooler area 113for spooling print data to be supplied to the printer 170, an OS(operating system; not shown), a work area (not shown), and the like.

[0069] The CPU 130 operates on the basis of the application 111, printerdriver 112, OS, and the like in the memory 110. Upon power ON, theapparatus is booted by a boot program stored in a ROM (not shown), andthe OS program is loaded from the HD 121 onto the memory 110 to launchthe OS. After that, the application program is similarly loaded andexecuted under the management of the OS, thus making the apparatusfunction as the image forming system. As a matter of course, the CPU 130can access the HD 121 via the HDC 120.

[0070] The PRTC 140 executes a process for sequentially transmittingprint data stored in the spooler area 113 to the printer 170. Morespecifically, the PRTC 140 is implemented by a Centronics or USBinterface and its communication controller. The KB/PDC 150 controls theKB/PD 151, and fetches instruction data from the user input using thekeyboard or mouse into the apparatus. The CRTC 160 is a controller forcontrolling the CRT 161 as a display device. These blocks 150, 151, 160,and 161 form a user interface.

[0071] On the other hand, the printer 170 comprises an interface 171 forreceiving print data from the information processing apparatus 100, andsending various status data to the information processing apparatus 100,a printer controller 172 for mainly interpreting received printer data,and generating bitmap image data, and a printer engine 173 for receivingthe bitmap image data output from the printer controller 172 andactually forming an image. Note that the printer 170 comprises a controlpanel and the like although they are not shown. The printer engine 173may use any of an ink-jet system, electrophotography system, thermaltransfer system, and the like.

[0072] In the above arrangement, when the printer 170 is connected tothe information processing apparatus 100 for the first time, the printerdriver 112 for generating print data compatible to the printer 170 mustbe installed. Such installation process need only be done only onceunless it is specially required.

[0073]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the information processingapparatus 100 of the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 from theviewpoint of the software configuration.

[0074] The keyboard and mouse (KB/PD) 151 are connected as input devicesto the information processing apparatus 100. Also, the printer 170 andthe CRT 161 as a monitor are connected as output devices.

[0075] An input made using the keyboard or mouse is processed by akeyboard/mouse driver 182, and is passed to an OS 180. The informationprocessing apparatus 100 has application software 111 including awordprocessor, spreadsheet, Internet browser, and the like. Variousrendering process commands (image rendering command, text renderingcommand, and graphics rendering command) which are issued by theapplication software 111 and indicate an output image are input to amonitor driver 181 via the OS 180. Upon printing that image, theserendering commands are input to the printer driver 112 via the OS 180.The printer driver 112 is software for processing the rendering commandsto generate print data, and making the printer 170 to print the printdata, and the monitor driver 181 is software for making the CRT 161display an image.

[0076] Note that a prevalent IBM AT compatible personal computer may beused as the information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,and Microsoft Windows98® may be used as the OS 180. When the monitor161, printer 170, and keyboard/mouse 151 are connected to such personalcomputer to execute a print process application (to be described later),the print system of this embodiment can be implemented.

[0077] In the information processing apparatus 100, the applicationsoftware 111 generates output image data using text data such ascharacters and the like which are categorized into text, graphics datasuch as figures and the like which are categorized into graphics, imagedata which are categorized into photo images and the like, and so forth.Upon printing an image based on the output image data, the applicationsoftware 111 sends a printout request to the OS 180, and issuesrendering commands that contain a text rendering command of text data, agraphics rendering command of graphics data, and an image renderingcommand of image data, to the OS 180.

[0078] Upon receiving the printout request from the application software111, the OS 180 passes the rendering commands to the printer driver 112corresponding to the printer 170. The printer driver 112 generates printdata that can undergo a print process of the printer 170 by processingthe printout request and rendering commands passed from the OS 180, andsends the print data to the printer 170.

[0079] When the printer 170 is a raster printer, the printer driver 112rasterizes the rendering commands on R, G, and B band memories eachhaving an 8-bit depth. After all the rendering commands are rasterized,the contents of the band memories are converted into a data format thatthe printer 170 can print, e.g., CMYK data, and the converted data aresent to the printer 170. Note that these band memories are assured on,e.g., a RAM (memory 110).

Print Process Application

[0080] The print process application according to this embodiment, whichcan run as the application 111, will be explained below. The printprocess application according to this embodiment extracts apredetermined number of sequential still images from a desired range ofmoving image data, and prints these sequential images on a perforatedpaper sheet that can be torn into strip sheets, as shown in FIG. 23. Byprinting sequential still images to line up sequential still images andblank spaces in the longitudinal direction of the strip sheets, bindingmargins are formed on the respective strip sheets. When the strip sheetsobtained in this manner are bundled, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, theuser can observe a flip moving image. The operations and functions ofthe print process application of this embodiment will be describedbelow.

[0081] When the print process application of this embodiment islaunched, a dedicated application window is displayed. As theapplication window, a paper select window (see FIG. 7), moving imageselect window (see FIG. 8), range setup window (see FIG. 9A), andprint/save window (see FIG. 10A) are prepared. Note that the paperselect window is displayed as a default window upon launching this printapplication, but the present invention is not limited to this. Therespective windows have tabs (301 a to 301 d) used to select a givenwindow, and a desired one of the windows shown in FIGS. 7 to 10A can beselected by clicking a desired tab.

[0082] An outline of the print sequence by this print processapplication is as follows:

[0083] printer, paper sheet, and the like to be used are set on thepaper select window;

[0084] desired moving image file is selected on the moving image selectwindow;

[0085] desired range in the moving image file selected on the movingimage select window is set on the range setup window, and it isconfirmed using a flip moving image preview function if the set range isappropriate; and

[0086] predetermined number of sequential still images are generatedfrom the desired range set on the range setup window, and are output bythe set printer on the print/save window.

[0087] Details of the operations for the respective windows will beexplained below.

[0088] A paper select process executed by displaying the paper selectwindow will be explained first with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7. FIG. 3is a flow chart for explaining the process executed when the paperselect window shown in FIG. 7 is selected.

[0089] In step S101, the names of printers to be selected are input to abox 310 to prompt the user to select a printer. By clicking a ∇ buttonon the right side of the box 310, a list of available printers isdisplayed, and the user can select a desired printer from the list. Ifonly one printer is available, that printer is displayed in the box 310.Note that the available printer is a printer which is compatible to theprint application of this embodiment, and its printer driver isinstalled in the information processing apparatus. Upon launching thisapplication, a printer which was selected upon previously quitting theapplication is selected.

[0090] A cartridge is selected using a box 311 in step S102, and a papersheet is selected using a box 312 in step S103. In this embodiment, thepaper size is fixed to A4, but other desired paper sizes may beselected.

[0091] It is checked in step S104 if a tab (one of 301 b to 301 d) usedto display another window is selected. If NO in step S104, the flowreturns to step S101. On the other hand, if YES in step S104, the flowadvances to step S105 to settle contents set in the boxes 310 to 312 atthat time as setup contents. Note that the setup contents can be changedlater on the paper select window displayed by selecting the tab 301 afrom another window.

[0092] A moving image select process executed when the moving imageselect window is displayed upon selecting the tab 301 b will beexplained below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 8. FIG. 4 is a flow chartfor explaining the process executed when the moving image select windowshown in FIG. 8 is selected.

[0093] In step S121, a file selected by user's file open operation isopened. In this case, a file select popup window (not shown) isdisplayed upon clicking an “open” button 321, and the user selects adesired moving image file using this window.

[0094] It is checked in step S122 if the file designated in step S121was created and saved by the print process application. With thisapplication, information for printing sequential still images can besaved in step S169 in a “print & save” process which will be describedlater with reference to FIG. 6. If it is determined in step S122 thatsuch information file is selected, the flow jumps to step S126 withoutexecuting a moving image playback process to be described below. Notethat the checking process in step S122 can be implemented with referenceto, e.g., a file extension.

[0095] As will be described later, the information file saves the imagefile name, still image extraction range, and the like. Hence, in thisembodiment, when the information file is opened, the print/save windowis automatically displayed so as to immediately execute a print process.That is, when the information file is opened on the moving image selectwindow, the step of playing back a moving image is skipped, and thecontrol jumps to the print/save window (this jump process is not shownon the flow chart). In place of such process, even when the informationfile is selected, a moving image may be played back as in a case whereina normal moving image file is selected. In such case, a moving imagefile corresponding to the image file name held in the information fileis selected.

[0096] If the file selected in step S121 is a moving image file thatthis print application can process, the flow advances to step S123, andan image of the first frame of that moving image file is displayed on amoving image playback field 323 in a moving image playback window 322.

[0097] The moving image playback window 322 has a user interfaceincluding a play button 324 used to instruct to start the playbackprocess of the selected moving image file, a pause button 325 used toinstruct to pause the playback process and to cancel the paused state, astop button 326 used to stop the playback process, a locate button 327to locate the first frame of the moving image file, a locate button 328to locate the last frame of the moving file, and a seek bar 329. Bydragging the seek bar 329, a display position can be located at anarbitrary position in the moving image file. During playback of a movingimage, the seek bar moves in corresponding to the playback position. Atime indicator 330 indicates the current playback position by a timefrom the beginning of playback.

[0098] If playback of a moving is designated upon pressing the playbutton 324, the flow advances from step S124 to step S125, and themoving image file selected in step S121 is played back. Note thatprocesses executed upon operation of other control buttons are not shownin the flow chart and a detailed description thereof will be omitted,but their contents are known to those who are skilled in the art.

[0099] If one of the tabs 301 a, 301 c, and 301 d used to displayanother window is selected while the moving image file is selected, thatmoving image file or a moving image file designated by the informationfile is settled as a selected moving image file, this process ends, andthe designated window is displayed (steps S126 and S127). If none ofthese tabs are selected, steps S121 to S125 are repeated. Note that thesettled contents can be changed later on the moving image select windowin FIG. 8 displayed by selecting the tab 301 b from another window.

[0100] A range setup process executed when the range setup window isdisplayed upon selecting the tab 301 c will be explained below withreference to FIGS. 5 and 9A. FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining theprocess executed when the range setup window shown in FIG. 9A isselected. On the range setup window, a desired range from whichsequential still images are to be extracted (to be referred to as astill image extraction range hereinafter) is set from the moving imagefile.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 9A, a moving image playback window 340 whichincludes a moving image playback field 323 for playing back the selectedmoving image file, various control buttons 324 to 328, and a seek bar329 is also displayed on the range setup window. Note that the movingimage playback window 340 on the range setup window includes start andend point buttons 341 and 342 used to set a desired still imageextraction range from the moving image, and a preview button 343 used topreview sequential still images obtained from the set still imageextraction range as a flip moving image.

[0102] A moving image playback process in steps S141 to S143 is the sameas that in steps S123 to S125 described above. That is, an image of thefirst frame of the moving image file, which has been selected on themoving image select window and settled as a selected file, is displayedon the moving image playback field 323 (step S141), and the user clicksthe play button 324 (step S142) to start playback of that moving imagefile (step S143).

[0103] If the user clicks the start point button 341 during playback ofthis moving image file, a playback time at that timing is registered asthe start point of the still image extraction range (steps S144 andS145). On the other hand, if the user clicks the end point button 342, aplayback time at that timing is registered as the end point of the stillimage extraction range (steps S146 and S147). After the start and endpoints are registered, the selected range is identifiably displayed by,e.g., changing the display color of a portion of the seek bar 329corresponding to the selected range, as shown in FIG. 9A, so as toindicate the selected still image extraction range.

[0104] In the above description, the start and end points are designatedat desired timing during playback of the moving image file, therebydetermining the desired range in the moving image. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this. For example, the start point of thestill image extraction range may be designated by clicking the startpoint button 341 after the seek bar 329 is moved to a desired playbackposition, and the end point of the still image extraction range may bedesignated by similarly clicking the end point button 342. In such case,the moving image file need not be played back by the play button 324,and an image corresponding to a position designated by the seek bar 329is displayed on the moving image playback field 323.

[0105] Also, the method of designating the still image extraction rangewhile playing back the moving image, and the method of designating thestill image extraction range using the seek bar may be combined. Forexample, the user locates a desired position in the moving image data byoperating the seek bar 329, and clicks the start point button 341 todesignate the start point of the still image extraction range. Afterthat, the user clicks the play button 324 to play back the moving imagefrom that position, and then clicks the end point button 342 at adesired position, thus setting the extraction range.

[0106] In this embodiment, the start and end points of the still imageextraction range are registered using their playback times. However, thepresent invention is not limited to this, and frame numbers or the likemay be used.

[0107] The print process application of this embodiment extracts apredetermined number of sequential still images (45 images in thisembodiment) from the still image extraction range set in this way atequal intervals, and prints them out. The printout of the sequentialstill images obtained in this manner is used for the purpose ofobserving the sequential still images as a flip moving image by tearingthe printout into strip sheets and sequentially flipping these stripsheets. For this purpose, it is preferable to preview the sequentialstill image so as to allow the user to virtually observe a flip movingimage. In the subsequent steps S148 to S150, such preview function isprovided.

[0108] If the user clicks the preview button 343 after he or she setsthe still image extraction range by designating the start and endpoints, the flow advances from step S148 to step S149 (note that theflow cannot advance to step S149 unless the still image extraction rangeis set). In step S149, a predetermined number of sequential still imagesare generated and acquired from the set still image extraction range. Atthis time, the sequential still images are generated so that neighboringimages have equal intervals (the same number of frames) on the timeaxis. That is, frames are extracted from the set still image extractionrange at equal intervals, and sequential still images are generated fromthe extracted frames.

[0109] Note that frame extraction in step S149 can be implemented atnearly equal intervals using:

m=1+INT((n−1)×(M−1)/(N−1)+0.5)

[0110] where INT(x) is a function of obtaining a value by rounding xafter the decimal part;

[0111] M: the number of frames in the selected range;

[0112] N: the number of frames to be extracted (N>1, N=45 in thisembodiment);

[0113] n: frame order number (1 to N); and

[0114] m: extracted frame number (1 to M).

[0115] (M, N, n, and m are all integers)

[0116] In the above equation, if M=(N−1)×y+1 (y is an integer equal toor larger than 1), all the intervals of frames become equal to eachother.

[0117] In step S150, the sequential still images generated in step S149are sequentially displayed on the order they are captured so that theimage display ends in, e.g., 2 sec. At this time, the switching intervalfrom a given still image to the next still image is set to be constant({fraction (2/45)} sec if 45 sequential still images are to be displayedin 2 sec).

[0118] When the user clicks the preview button 343 without changing theselected range in the moving image, the process in step S149 is skippedsince the sequential still images have already been generated.

[0119] If the user clicks one of the tabs 301 a, 301 b, and 301 dcorresponding to other control windows in this state, the flow advancesfrom step S151 to step S152 to settle the still image extraction rangeset in the above steps. Note that the settled contents can be changedlater on the range setup window displayed by selecting the tab 301 cfrom another window. On the other hand, if none of the tabscorresponding to other control windows are clicked, the flow returns tostep S141 to repeat the aforementioned process. Therefore, according tothis embodiment, since preview display and range setup operations can bemade on a single window (range setup window), the user can re-designatethe range immediately after he or she confirms a flip moving image bythe preview function, resulting in good operability.

[0120] Note that a preview setup panel 344 shown in FIG. 9B may bedisplayed in preview display of sequential still image in step S150, soas to allow the user to arbitrarily set a time required to display. Forexample, the total display time may be arbitrarily set, as indicated bya field 345 in FIG. 9B. If it is set to display still images in 1 sec,sequential still images are displayed while being switched at {fraction(1/45)}-sec intervals. Also, the switching interval of sequential stillimages may be designated (e.g., 0.04 sec), as indicated by a field 346in FIG. 9B.

[0121] Furthermore, a manual operation may be allowed, as indicated by afield 347 in FIG. 9B. In this example, when the user slides a knob 349of a displayed slide bar 348, sequential still images are displayedwhile being switched to follow the slide operation. In this manner, theswitching interval which is set using the field 345 or 346 and isconstant and fixed during sequential display can be varied, and previewimages that can accurately correspond to user's flip operation can bedisplayed.

[0122] A process executed when the print/save window is displayed uponselection of the tab 301 d will be explained below. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process executed when the print/save window shown inFIG. 10A is selected. On this print/save window, sequential still imagesobtained from the still image extraction range set on the range setupwindow can be printed, and an information file that contains the movingimage file name and extraction information can be saved.

[0123] It is checked in step S161 if the currently set extraction rangehas already undergone the still image conversion process in step S149.If the process in step S149 is complete, since sequential still imagesof that still image extraction range have been obtained, step S162 isskipped. If sequential still images have not been acquired yet from theset extraction range, the flow advances to step S162 to extract apredetermined number of sequential still images from the still imageextraction range set on the previous range setup window. This process isthe same as step S149 in FIG. 5.

[0124] In step S163, a print layout using the generated sequential stillimages is displayed. In this embodiment, since 15 sequential stillimages are printed on each A4-size paper sheet, a total of three pagesare to be printed. Hence, by operating a next or previous page button356 or 355, the user can confirm the print layouts of all pages. In FIG.10A, numerical values are appended to sequential still images for thepurpose of convenience to indicate that they are sequential images (nota series of identical images). Also, a numerical value recorded on thecorner of a blank space of each strip indicates a page number, i.e., theorder in the moving image.

[0125] If the user clicks a print setup button 353, it is determinedthat print setups are to be changed, and the flow advances to step S165.In step S165, a print setup input window (not shown) is displayed and,for example, the following print setup items are set.

Layout

[0126] Right-binding: Images are printed in a layout for a left-handeduser.

[0127] Left-binding: Images are printed in a layout for a right-handeduser.

Background

[0128] None: No background image is printed around each sequential stillimage.

[0129] Black gradation: A black gradation pattern, which changes fromeach sequential still image toward a blank space, is printed around eachsequential still image.

[0130] Gradation of designated color: A gradation pattern of adesignated color, which changes from each sequential still image towarda blank space, is printed around each sequential still image.

Default is “Black Gradation” Title

[0131] None: No title name is printed.

[0132] Print title: An input character string is printed as a title(whether the title is printed only on the first page or on all pages isselectable)

Default is “none” Image Capture Date

[0133] None: No image capture date is printed.

[0134] Print date: An image capture date is printed ((whether the titleis printed only on the first page or on all pages is selectable).

Default is “None”

[0135] After the print setups, the flow returns to step S163 to displaythe print layout based on the updated print setups. In this manner,changes in print setup can be immediately reflected in the displayedprint layout.

[0136] If the user clicks a print button 352, the flow advances fromstep S166 to step S167 to print sequential still images by thedesignated printer, as shown in FIG. 10B. At this time, each sequentialstill image is printed in a size reduced to fall within a 42 mm×34 mmregion while fixing the aspect ratio of the sequential still imageextracted from the moving image. Also, the print quality at that time isdefault quality of designated media. If a given background pattern isdesignated, the designated background pattern is printed; if an imagecapture date and title are designated, they are printed according totheir designations. Furthermore, a number is printed on a blank space(an upper right corner position in case of right-binding or an upperleft corner position in case of left binding in this embodiment) asideeach sequential still image (FIG. 10 shows an example of right-binding,and page numbers are assigned at upper right corner positions).

[0137] If the user clicks a save button 354, the flow advances from stepS168 to step S169. In step S169, respective items set on the paperselect window, moving image select window, range setup window, andprint/save window (print setup) are saved as a single file. For example,items to be saved include the printer to be used, cartridge information,paper sheet, moving file name, still image extraction start and endpositions, print setup contents (layout, background, and the like).However, extracted sequential still image data are not saved.

[0138] Since 45 sequential still images obtained in this way are printedon a perforated paper sheet shown in FIG. 23, as shown in FIG. 10B, ifthese images are torn along perforations into strip sheets, these sheetscan be bundled, as shown in FIG. 18. The user can observe a flip movingimage by sequentially flipping these sheets, as shown in FIG. 19.

[0139] As described above, according to the print process application ofthis embodiment, sequential still images that can be observed as a flipmoving image can be printed out in correspondence with the desired rangeof moving image data. Also, a flip moving image that the user wants canbe easily provided.

[0140] Especially, since the preview function, which is launched by thepreview button 343 on the range setup window (FIG. 9A) that has beenexplained using FIGS. 9A and 9B, sequentially displays sequential stillimages extracted from the designated range while switching them, a statewherein the user observes a flip moving image by bundling the sequentialstill images and sequentially flipping them, as shown in FIGS. 18 and19, can be confirmed, resulting in convenience. If the user isdissatisfied with the previewed image, he or she can immediatelyre-designate the still image extraction range without switching windows,thus improving operability.

[0141] If the switching interval of still images can be set in thepreview function, the user can preview images at a desired flip speed.Furthermore, if a mechanism for controlling switching of sequentialstill images in synchronism with the slide motion of the knob 348 of thescroll bar 348 is provided in the preview function, the displayswitching interval can be switched during sequential display. For thisreason, a preview process corresponding to the user's habit uponobserving a flip image (e.g., the speed at the beginning and end offlipping is lower than other portions) can be implemented, and the usercan preview a flip moving image more accurately.

Sequential Still Image Complement Process When the Number of Frames isDeficient

[0142] As described above, in this embodiment, a desired range in amoving image can be designated by designating the moving imageextraction start and end points on the range setup window. Hence, anextraction range of less than 45 frames may be designated depending onthe designated range. In such case, 45 sequential still images cannot begenerated in step S149 or S162. The print process application of thisembodiment can appropriately obtain 45 sequential still images even insuch case.

[0143]FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the still image conversionprocess in step S149 or S162 in more detail.

[0144] In step S201, the still image extraction range (start and endpoints) set in steps S144 to S147 above is loaded as conversion rangeinformation. In step S202, the number of frames included in the stillimage extraction range is obtained. In step S203, the number of stillimages to be converted is loaded. As described above, since the numberof images is fixed at 45 in this embodiment, the number of still imagesto be converted is 45.

[0145] In step S204, the number of frames included in the still imageextraction range obtained in step S202 is compared with the number ofstill images to be converted (45) loaded in step S203. If the number offrames of the extraction range is equal to or larger than the number ofstill images to be converted, since 45 sequential still images can beextracted, the flow advances to step S207 to extract a predeterminednumber of frames at equal intervals by the same method as in step S149above, and to convert them into still images.

[0146] On the other hand, if the number of frames of the extractionrange is smaller than the number of still images to be converted, 45sequential still images must be generated by complementing deficientimages. Hence, the flow advances from step S204 to step S205. In stepS205, all frames included in the designated still image extraction rangeare converted into still images. In step S206, deficient images arecomplemented by repetitively using a given frame within the still imageextraction range. In this embodiment, by repetitively using a framelocated at the start or end of a time series (i.e., by repetitivelyusing a sequential still image corresponding to a frame located at thestart or end of a time series), a designated number of sequential stillimages are generated. Upon observing a flip moving image, if anidentical image is repeated in the middle of flipping, the user may bedisrupted. However, even when an identical sequential still image isrepeated several times at the start or end of flipping, the user is notso disrupted.

[0147] The way sequential still images are complemented may be changedin accordance with the number of images to be repeated (the number ofdeficient images). That is, a frame position used to repeat an image maybe changed in accordance with the number of deficient images. Forexample, when the number of deficient images is equal to or smaller thana predetermined threshold value, a sequential still image of the firstand/or last frame is repetitively used; if the number of deficientimages is larger than the predetermined threshold value, sequentialstill images to be repetitively used are distributed among all theframes.

[0148] For example, if the ratio of the number of deficient images tothe predetermined number of images is:

[0149] lower than 10% (less than 5 images if the predetermined number ofimages is 45), the last frame is repetitively used;

[0150] falls within the range from 10% to 20% (6 to 9 images), first 10%(5) images are completed by repeating the last frame, and remainingdeficient images are completed by repeating the first frame; and

[0151] exceeds 20% (10 images or more), frames to be repeated aredistributed to all the frames. Or when the number of deficient imagesexceeds 20% of the predetermined number of images, a range designationerror may be generated.

[0152] Alternatively, the user may designate a frame (or its position)to be repeated. For example, the user may select a frame to be repeatedfrom “last frame” and “first frame”.

[0153] In the aforementioned method, the reason why the last frame ispreferably used as a frame to be repeated is that it becomes difficultto flip frames near the end of a flip moving image one by one, and somesheets may be flipped at the same time upon observing the flip movingimage. Therefore, the process for complementing sequential still imagesby repeating the last frame is very effective means since the influenceof repeated images can be suppressed on the printout used to observe aflip moving image, and the process itself can be simplified.

[0154] Upon repeating a sequential still image of an identical frame, animage may undergo a given process. For example, when some images arerepeated near the end of a flip moving image, the luminance values ofthese images may be gradually lowered to provide a fade-out effect upongenerating sequential still images to be complemented. Likewise, whensome images are repeated at the beginning of a flip moving image, theluminance values of print data may be adjusted to provide a fade-ineffect upon generating sequential still images to be complemented.

Details of Print Process

[0155] Sequential still images of this embodiment are printed on a papersheet formed with perforations, along which the paper sheet is torn intostrip sheets. The strip sheets are bundled using blank spaces formedaside still images as binding margins, thus allowing the user to observea flip moving image. Hence, the entire image moves unnaturally uponobserving a flip moving image unless still images are printed atpredetermined positions in strips formed by perforations with highreproducibility. In general, the print positions can be maintained withrelatively high precision on a single sheet. However, when sequentialstill images are printed on a plurality of paper sheets as in thisembodiment, a deviation between the overall print positions on differentpaper sheets poses a problem.

[0156] In general, print positions in the convey direction have lowprecision due to the influence of convey errors in the convey directionof paper sheets. By contrast, print positions in a directionperpendicular to the convey direction can have relatively high precisiondue to the presence of paper guides and the like. Therefore, whensequential still images are printed in a layout in which arrays ofsequential still images and blank spaces extend in a directionperpendicular to the convey direction, as shown in FIG. 12, the printpositions of sequential still images on strip sheets obtained from agiven paper sheet readily deviate in the up-and-down direction ratherthan the right-and-left direction from those obtained from the nextpaper sheet. For this reason, in a flip moving image of this embodimentthat obtains 15 strip sheets per paper sheet, sequential still imagesmove in the up-and-down direction between the 15th and 16th strip sheetsand between the 30th and 31st strip sheets.

[0157] According to the experiments of the present inventors, uponobserving a flip moving image, the user feels more disrupted whensequential still images deviate in the up-and-down direction than in theright-and-left direction. Hence, in this embodiment, still images arelaid out and printed out to minimize the deviations in the up-and-downdirection in the print process in step S167. This process will beexplained below.

[0158]FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a layout upon printing outsequential still images in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13,sequential still images and blank spaces that can be used as bindingmargins are formed on respective strips on a printout of thisembodiment, so that arrays of sequential still images and blank spacesalways agree with the convey direction. As described above, uponprinting images on a plurality of paper sheets, the print positionprecision in a direction perpendicular to the convey direction is higherthan that in the convey direction. Therefore, when a flip moving imageis observed while bundling strip sheets obtained by tearing printoutswith the layout shown in FIG. 13 along perforations, still images maymove slightly larger in the right-and-left direction, but the positionsof still images in the up-and-down direction match with relatively highprecision. As described above, upon observing a flip moving image bysequentially flipping still images, the user feels more disrupted whenstill images move in the up-and-down direction than in theright-and-left direction. Hence, by minimizing movement in theup-and-down direction, strip sheets that allow the user to observe ahigh-quality flip moving image can be provided.

[0159] As can be easily understood for those who are skilled in the art,when a paper sheet is conveyed at a landscape position, the layout shownin FIG. 12 is used. Therefore, when the user can designate the conveydirection of paper sheets, it is preferable to automatically select anappropriate print layout in correspondence with the designated conveydirection. That is, the designated convey direction and paper size aredetected, and a print layout is determined to arrange sequential stillimages and blank spaces in the convey direction, thus executing a printprocess.

[0160] As described above, according to this embodiment, sequentialstill images can be laid out and printed, so that the print positionprecision in the up-and-down direction becomes higher than that in theright-and-left direction upon observing a flip moving image.

[0161] The printout of this embodiment is further designed to improvethe print quality of sequential still images. When an image is printedby repeating a print scan in a direction perpendicular to the conveydirection while conveying a paper sheet like in an ink-jet printer,convey errors readily occur especially at the trailing end of a papersheet in the convey direction, and image quality deteriorates. This isbecause the distance between a print head and paper sheet changes due toconspicuous convey errors since the pressing force of the paper sheetbecomes loose at the trailing end of the paper sheet and a paper sheetreadily floats.

[0162] As described above, when a layout in which sequential stillimages and blank spaces are arranged along the convey direction of apaper sheet is adopted, either sequential still images or blank spacesare located at the trailing end of the paper sheet, FIG. 14 shows alayout for right-binding, and the convey direction in a print process.When the layout shown in FIG. 14 is adopted, since blank spaces arelocated on the trailing end side of a paper sheet with respect to theconvey direction of the paper sheet, sequential still images do notsuffer any adverse influences for the aforementioned reasons. However,when a layout for left-binding is designated, i.e., when sequentialstill images are laid out by moving their print positions so that blankspaces are located on the left side of the sequential still images, asshown in FIG. 15, the sequential still images are located on thetrailing end side of a paper sheet. Therefore, the print quality of the11th to 15th sequential still images may deteriorate.

[0163] To solve this problem, in this embodiment, blank spaces are laidout on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in both the layout forright-binding and that for left-binding. In this embodiment, the entireprint layout for left-binding shown in FIG. 15 is further rotatedthrough 180° to obtain a print layout shown in FIG. 16.

[0164]FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining this print process. When aprint process in step S168 starts, this process is launched.

[0165] In step S301, layout information of the print setups, i.e.,information indicating if the selected layout is one for left-binding orright-binding is acquired. If the acquired layout information indicatesa layout for right-binding, the flow advances from step S302 to stepS304, and sequential still images are laid out to obtain printouts shownin FIG. 14. The flow then advances to step S305 to execute a printprocess of sequential still images.

[0166] On the other hand, if the layout information acquired in stepS301 indicates a layout for left-binding, the flow advances from stepS302 to step S303. In step S303, the print positions of sequential stillimages are moved to the right side of respective strips to obtain alayout shown in FIG. 15, and this layout is rotated through 180° toobtain a print layout shown in FIG. 16. The flow then advances to stepS305 to execute a print process of sequential still images. As a result,blank spaces are always located on the trailing end side of a papersheet, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, thus preventing the image quality ofsequential still images from deteriorating.

[0167] In this embodiment, a 180°-rotated layout is used in case of thatfor left-binding. However, the present invention is not limited to suchspecific process. That is, it is important for a print layout to arrangesequential still images and blank spaces along the convey direction, andto locate blank spaces on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in theconvey direction.

[0168] Upon displaying a print layout in step S163, sequential stillimages are displayed at normal positions. Therefore, even whenleft-binding is set in this embodiment, a layout is displayed, so thatsequential still images are displayed at normal positions, i.e., asshown in FIG. 10A.

[0169] As described above, according to this embodiment, since a printlayout is designed in correspondence with the characteristics of aprinter, i.e., since a print layout in which sequential still images andblank spaces are arranged along the convey direction, and blank spacesare located on the trailing end side of a paper sheet in the conveydirection is adopted, a high-quality flip moving image can be provided.

[0170] The print application of this embodiment has been explained. Inthis embodiment, the print process application runs on the informationprocessing apparatus such as a personal computer or the like. However,the present invention is not limited to this, and all or some offunctions of the aforementioned application may be implemented by aprinter driver, digital still camera, digital video camera, or printer.

[0171] In the above embodiment, an ink-jet printer is assumed as theprinter, but an electrophotographic printer such as a laser printer orthe like, or a thermal transfer printer may be used.

[0172] In the above embodiment, the number of sequential still images isfixed at 45, but may be arbitrarily set by the user. For example, when alayout changes depending on the direction of a paper sheet, and thenumber of strip sheets that can be acquired per paper sheet changes(when a paper sheet is conveyed at a landscape position and a layoutshown in FIG. 12 is used, 14 strip sheets can only be obtained from onepaper sheet), the total number of sequential still images to be acquiredmay be changed accordingly. For example, when a print layout shown inFIG. 12 is designated, 42 sheets (=14×3) may be set.

Strip Case

[0173] A case which houses a bundle of a plurality of strip sheets thatinclude sequential still images printed out, as described above, andallows the user to observe a flip moving image will be explained below.

[0174]FIG. 18 shows a state wherein a bundle of strip sheets on whichsequential still images are printed is housed in a case of thisembodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the case of this embodiment comprises aflexible U-shaped case member 400, a strip sheet group 410 to be housedin this case member, and a rubber band 420 used to bundle the casemember 400 and strip sheet group 410 and to maintain that state. FIG. 19shows an observation state of a flip moving image by sequentiallyflipping strips, which are housed, as shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 19 shows aleft-binding state (for a right-handed user).

[0175]FIGS. 20A to 20D are views for explaining the build sequence ofthe case according to this embodiment. The case member 400 is formed ofa flexible material, and is preferably transparent or translucent. Thecase member 400 includes a nearly rectangular first panel 401, a nearlyrectangular second panel 402 which faces the first panel 401 when aU-shape is formed, and a third panel 403 that connects the first andsecond panels 401 and 402. As shown in FIG. 21, the first to thirdpanels are formed of an integrated sheet, and are formed by fold lines410. The sheet shown in FIG. 21 is foldable at the fold lines 410, asshown in FIG. 20A, thus forming a U-shaped case by the first to thirdpanels 401 to 403.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 20B, the stacked stripe sheet group 410 (45strip sheets in this example) is inserted between the first and secondpanels 401 and 402. Therefore, the length of the third panel (a heightupon forming a U-shaped case) is equivalent to the thickness of a stackof 45 strip sheets.

[0177] Notches 404 are formed on the long sides of the first and secondpanels 401 and 402 on the connection portion side to the third panel403. These notches 404 are formed at equal distance positions from theconnection portion to the third panel 403. The U-shaped case 400 isformed so that the first and third panels and the second and thirdpanels respectively form nearly right angles, the strip group 410 isinserted in that case, and the rubber 420 is hooked on the notches 404,thus maintaining the bundled state of strips (FIGS. 20C and 20D).

[0178] The first panel 401 is an upper surface panel that contacts asequential still image, and the second panel 402 serves as a backbone.The first and second panels 401 and 402 have a size slightly larger thanthe strip sheets to be housed. In this manner, a protection function ofthe strip sheet group 410 is provided.

[0179] When the first panel 401 serving as the upper surface panel islarger than the strip sheets to be housed, first several strip sheetsmay be flipped at the same time. Hence, in this embodiment, a notch 405is formed to expose housed strips, as shown in FIG. 22 and the like, sothat the finger contacts the first strip sheet upon sequentiallyflipping the sheets. In this way, the strip sheets can be reliablyflipped one by one in turn from the first one. The width of the notch405 is determined so that the user's finger (thumb) can touch the stripand the user can naturally flip strips. Note that the shape of the notchis not limited to an arcuated shape.

[0180] When a frame is formed around a sequential still image on eachstrip sheet, the width of the notch may be determined so that only thisframe portion exposes (FIG. 22B). In this manner, the sequential stillimage itself does not expose, and can be reliably protected.

[0181] The second panel 402 serves as a backbone, and preferably has asize slightly larger than the strip sheets in the same manner as thefirst panel 401. Since such second panel 402 is formed, it can reliablyprotect strip sheets, and allows the user to easily flip strip sheetsone by one until the last page upon sequentially flipping them. Morespecifically, when no second panel 402 is formed or when the secondpanel 402 is smaller than strip sheets, last several pages are flippedat the same time, and the user cannot normally observe a flip movingimage. However, according to this embodiment, since the second panel isprovided, the user can easily and reliably flip strip sheets one by oneuntil the last page.

[0182] Also, the aforementioned notches 404 preferably have a depth thatallows housed strips to slightly expose, as shown in FIG. 22C. When thenotches 404 are formed in this way, they can prevent the rubber band 420from being displaced, and the rubber band 420 can contact strip sheets,thus maintaining the housed state of the strip sheet group 410 moresatisfactorily and effectively. Also, the holding mechanism using therubber band according to this embodiment can provide a holding meansthat effectively holds the strip group 410 by a very simple structure.When the strip sheet group is directly clamped by a paper clip or thelike, the strip sheets may be damaged by the paper clip. However,according to this embodiment, since the rubber band 420 is hooked whilethe strip sheets are protected by the case, the strip sheets can beprevented from being damaged.

[0183] Note that notches may also be formed on each strip sheet atpositions corresponding to the notches 404 when the sheets are housed inthe case member 400. Such notches can be formed by providing a papersheet, as shown in, e.g., FIG. 24. This paper sheet is formed with holes601 used to form notches on perforations 602. With such structure, therubber band 420 fits on the notches 404 of the case member and thenotches 601 of respective strip sheets, thus holding the housed stripsheets more reliably.

[0184] Also, a plurality of sets of notches may be formed to bundlesheets using a plurality of rubber bands.

[0185] In the above embodiment, the U-shaped case is formed using thefirst to third panels. However, since strip sheets are to be maintainedin a bundled state so as to protect the strip sheets and to allow toobserve a flip moving image, the third panel 403 may be omitted.However, as described in the above embodiment, when the case is formedusing the first to third panels, there are some merits, i.e., the casemember 400 can be formed by a single sheet, the third panel can align abundle of strip sheets as a backbone, and so forth.

Another Embodiment

[0186] Note that the present invention may be applied to either a systemconstituted by a plurality of devices (e.g., a host computer, interfacedevice, reader, printer, and the like), or an apparatus consisting of asingle equipment (e.g., a copying machine, facsimile apparatus, or thelike).

[0187] The objects of the present invention are also achieved bysupplying a storage medium, which records a program code of a softwareprogram that can implement the functions of the above-mentionedembodiments to the system or apparatus, and reading out and executingthe program code stored in the storage medium by a computer (or a CPU orMPU) of the system or apparatus.

[0188] In this case, the program code itself read out from the storagemedium implements the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, andthe storage medium which stores the program code constitutes the presentinvention.

[0189] As the storage medium for supplying the program code, forexample, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk,CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, and the likemay be used.

[0190] The functions of the above-mentioned embodiments may beimplemented not only by executing the readout program code by thecomputer but also by some or all of actual processing operationsexecuted by an OS (operating system) running on the computer on thebasis of an instruction of the program code.

[0191] Furthermore, the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments maybe implemented by some or all of actual processing operations executedby a CPU or the like arranged in a function extension board or afunction extension unit, which is inserted in or connected to thecomputer, after the program code read out from the storage medium iswritten in a memory of the extension board or unit.

[0192] As described above, according to the present invention, sincesequential still images are obtained by extracting a predeterminednumber of images from a desired range of a moving image, and aresequentially displayed to allow the user to preview a flip moving imageprior to a printout process, a flip moving image that can flexibly meetuser's requirements can be provided.

[0193] Also, according to the present invention, since the desired rangeof the moving image can be re-set immediately after a preview processfor sequentially displaying the obtained sequential still images, theoperability can be further improved.

[0194] According to the present invention, a predetermined number ofsequential still images can be acquired from a desired range of a movingimage irrespective of the duration of the designated desired range.Hence, the user can designate the desired range without minding if apredetermined number of sequential still images can be acquired.

[0195] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the presentinvention can be made without departing from the spirit and scopethereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to thespecific embodiments thereof except as defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image processing apparatus for controlling toprint a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as aflip moving image, on the basis of moving image data, comprising:designation means for designating a desired range of the moving imagedata; generation means for generating a predetermined number ofsequential still images using frames within the desired range of themoving image data; and display control means for controlling to displaythe predetermined number of sequential still images generated by saidgeneration means while sequentially switching the sequential stillimages in an order they appear in the moving image data.
 2. Theapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising print control meansfor controlling to print still images generated by said generationmeans.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a rangedesignation operation in said designation means and display by saiddisplay control means are implemented on a single window.
 4. Theapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said designation means candesignate the desired range by designating desired start and endpositions on a figure corresponding to a full range of the moving imagedata.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said generationmeans extracts a predetermined number of frames from the desired rangeat equal intervals, and generates still images corresponding to theextracted frames as the sequential still images.
 6. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said display control means controls toswitch and display the sequential still images at a predetermined timeinterval.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, further comprisingsetting means for setting means for setting the predetermined timeinterval in accordance with a user's instruction.
 8. The apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein said setting means sets a time required todisplay all the sequential still images.
 9. The apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein said setting means sets a switching time interval ofthe sequential still images.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1,wherein said display control means controls to switch and display thesequential still images in accordance with a cursor moved by a pointingdevice.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising printmeans for printing the sequential still images under the control of saidprint control means.
 12. An image processing method for controlling toprint a plurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as aflip moving image, on the basis of moving image data, comprising: thedesignation step of designating a desired range of the moving imagedata; the generation step of generating a predetermined number ofsequential still images using frames within the desired range of themoving image data; and the display control step of controlling todisplay the predetermined number of sequential still images generated inthe generation step while sequentially switching the sequential stillimages in an order they appear in the moving image data.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 12, further comprising the print control step ofcontrolling to print still images generated in the generation step. 14.The method according to claim 12, wherein a range designation operationin the designation step and display in the display control step areimplemented on a single window.
 15. The method according to claim 12,wherein the designation step includes the step of designating thedesired range by designating desired start and end positions on a figurecorresponding to a full range of the moving image data.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the generation step includes the step ofextracting a predetermined number of frames from the desired range atequal intervals, and generating still images corresponding to theextracted frames as the sequential still images.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the display control step includes thestep of controlling to switch and display the sequential still images ata predetermined time interval.
 18. The method according to claim 17,further comprising the setting step of setting step of setting thepredetermined time interval in accordance with a user's instruction. 19.The method according to claim 18, wherein the setting step includes thestep of setting a time required to display all the sequential stillimages.
 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the setting stepincludes the step of setting a switching time interval of the sequentialstill images.
 21. The method according to claim 12, wherein the displaycontrol step includes the step of controlling to switch and display thesequential still images in accordance with a cursor moved by a pointingdevice.
 22. A printing apparatus for printing a plurality of sequentialstill images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basisof moving image data, comprising: designation means for designating adesired range of the moving image data; generation means for generatinga predetermined number of sequential still images using frames withinthe desired range of the moving image data; print means for printing thestill images generated by said generation means; and display controlmeans for controlling to display the predetermined number of sequentialstill images generated by said generation means while sequentiallyswitching the sequential still images in an order they appear in themoving image data.
 23. A control program for making a computer executean image processing method for controlling to print a plurality ofsequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image,on the basis of moving image data, said image processing methodcomprising: the designation step of designating a desired range of themoving image data; the generation step of generating a predeterminednumber of sequential still images using frames within the desired rangeof the moving image data; and the display control step of controlling todisplay the predetermined number of sequential still images generated inthe generation step while sequentially switching the sequential stillimages in an order they appear in the moving image data.
 24. A computerreadable memory that stores a control program for making a computerexecute an image processing method for controlling to print a pluralityof sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip movingimage, on the basis of moving image data, said image processing methodcomprising: the designation step of designating a desired range of themoving image data; the generation step of generating a predeterminednumber of sequential still images using frames within the desired rangeof the moving image data; and the display control step of controlling todisplay the predetermined number of sequential still images generated inthe generation step while sequentially switching the sequential stillimages in an order they appear in the moving image data.
 25. An imageprocessing apparatus for controlling to print a plurality of sequentialstill images, which can be observed as a flip moving image, on the basisof moving image data, comprising: designation means for designating adesired range of the moving image data; checking means for checking if apredetermined number of frames can be extracted from the desired rangeof the moving image data; first generation means for, when said checkingmeans determines that the predetermined number of frames can beextracted, generating a predetermined number of sequential still imagesby extracting the predetermined number of frames from the desired range;and second generation means for, when said checking means determinesthat the predetermined number of frames cannot be extracted, generatingsequential still images by extracting a largest possible number offrames from the desired range, and generating the predetermined numberof sequential still images by complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames.
 26. The apparatus according toclaim 25, further comprising print control means for controlling toprint still images generated by said first or second generation means.27. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said second generationmeans complements the deficient frames by repetitively using asequential still image of the extracted last frame.
 28. The apparatusaccording to claim 25, wherein said second generation means complementsthe deficient frames by repetitively using a sequential still image ofthe extracted first frame.
 29. The apparatus according to claim 25,wherein said second generation means changes a frame position to berepetitively used in accordance with the number of deficient frames. 30.The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein said second generationmeans obtains the predetermined number of sequential still images byrepetitively using sequential still images and/or a sequential stillimage of the first frame and/or the last frame when the number ofdeficient frames is not more than a predetermined threshold value, or byevenly distributing a repeat position of an identical frame to theentire sequential still images when the number of deficient frames islarger than the predetermined threshold value.
 31. The apparatusaccording to claim 25, wherein said second generation means applies apredetermined process to the sequential still image to be repetitivelyused.
 32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the predeterminedprocess provides a fade-in effect when the sequential still images areplayed back as a flip moving image.
 33. The apparatus according to claim31, wherein the predetermined process provides a fade-out effect whenthe sequential still images are played back as a flip moving image. 34.The apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising print means forprinting the sequential still images under the control of said printcontrol means.
 35. An image processing method for controlling to print aplurality of sequential still images, which can be observed as a flipmoving image, on the basis of moving image data, comprising: thedesignation step of designating a desired range of the moving imagedata; the checking step of checking if a predetermined number of framescan be extracted from the desired range of the moving image data; thefirst generation step of generating, when it is determined in thechecking step that the predetermined number of frames can be extracted,a predetermined number of sequential still images by extracting thepredetermined number of frames from the desired range; and the secondgeneration step of generating, when it is determined in the checkingstep that the predetermined number of frames cannot be extracted,sequential still images by extracting a largest possible number offrames from the desired range, and generating the predetermined numberof sequential still images by complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames.
 36. The method according to claim35, further comprising the print control step of controlling to printstill images generated in the first or second generation step.
 37. Themethod according to claim 35, wherein the second generation stepincludes the step of complementing the deficient frames by repetitivelyusing a sequential still image of the extracted last frame.
 38. Themethod according to claim 35, wherein the second generation stepincludes the step of complementing the deficient frames by repetitivelyusing a sequential still image of the extracted first frame.
 39. Themethod according to claim 35, wherein the second generation stepincludes the step of changing a frame position to be repetitively usedin accordance with the number of deficient frames.
 40. The methodaccording to claim 39, wherein the second generation step includes thestep of obtaining the predetermined number of sequential still images byrepetitively using sequential still images and/or a sequential stillimage of the first frame and/or the last frame when the number ofdeficient frames is not more than a predetermined threshold value, or byevenly distributing a repeat position of an identical frame to theentire sequential still images when the number of deficient frames islarger than the predetermined threshold value.
 41. The method accordingto claim 35, wherein the second generation step includes the step ofapplying a predetermined process to the sequential still image to berepetitively used.
 42. The method according to claim 41, wherein thepredetermined process provides a fade-in effect when the sequentialstill images are played back as a flip moving image.
 43. The methodaccording to claim 41, wherein the predetermined process provides afade-out effect when the sequential still images are played back as aflip moving image.
 44. A printing apparatus for printing a plurality ofsequential still images, which can be observed as a flip moving image,on the basis of moving image data, comprising: designation means fordesignating a desired range of the moving image data; checking means forchecking if a predetermined number of frames can be extracted from thedesired range of the moving image data; first generation means for, whensaid checking means determines that the predetermined number of framescan be extracted, generating a predetermined number of sequential stillimages by extracting the predetermined number of frames from the desiredrange; second generation means for, when said checking means determinesthat the predetermined number of frames cannot be extracted, generatingsequential still images by extracting a largest possible number offrames from the desired range, and generating the predetermined numberof sequential still images by complementing deficient frames byrepetitively using identical frames; and printing means for printing thepredetermined number of sequential still images generated by said firstor second generation means.
 45. A control program for making a computerexecute an image processing method for controlling to print a pluralityof sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip movingimage, on the basis of moving image data, said image processing methodcomprising: the designation step of designating a desired range of themoving image data; the checking step of checking if a predeterminednumber of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the movingimage data; the first generation step of generating, when it isdetermined in the checking step that the predetermined number of framescan be extracted, a predetermined number of sequential still images byextracting the predetermined number of frames from the desired range;and the second generation step of generating, when it is determined inthe checking step that the predetermined number of frames cannot beextracted, sequential still images by extracting a largest possiblenumber of frames from the desired range, and generating thepredetermined number of sequential still images by complementingdeficient frames by repetitively using identical frames.
 46. A computerreadable memory that stores a control program for making a computerexecute an image processing method for controlling to print a pluralityof sequential still images, which can be observed as a flip movingimage, on the basis of moving image data, said image processing methodcomprising: the designation step of designating a desired range of themoving image data; the checking step of checking if a predeterminednumber of frames can be extracted from the desired range of the movingimage data; the first generation step of generating, when it isdetermined in the checking step that the predetermined number of framescan be extracted, a predetermined number of sequential still images byextracting the predetermined number of frames from the desired range;and the second generation step of generating, when it is determined inthe checking step that the predetermined number of frames cannot beextracted, sequential still images by extracting a largest possiblenumber of frames from the desired range, and generating thepredetermined number of sequential still images by complementingdeficient frames by repetitively using identical frames.